86Thousand400: Facing the Fear (Reasons to Exercise)

While we can't erase the original fear memory, we can essentially drown it out by creating a new memory and reinforcing it. By building up parallel circuitry to the fear memory, the brain creates a neutral alternative to the expected anxiety, learning that everything is OK. Scientists call it re-attribution.

We can force the brain to trade fear memories for positive ones through a form of psychology called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

When we add in exercise, we get the neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors bolstering the circuits in the brain, providing further control and creating a positive snowball effect. Teaching the brain that we can survive and breaking past barriers psychologically through exercise is crucial to overcoming anxiety.

Essentially, active coping means doing something in response to whatever danger or problem is causing anxiety rather than passively worrying about it.

By doing something other than sitting and worrying, we re-route our thought process around the passive-response centre and dilute the fear, while at the same time optimising the brain to learn a new scenario. Everyone's initial instinct in the face of anxiety is to avoid the situation, but by doing just the opposite, we engage in cognitive restructuring, using our bodies to cure our brains.

The elegance of exercise is a way to deal with anxiety, in everyday life and in the form of a disorder, is that it works on both the body and the brain. Firstly it provides distraction. Quite literally, moving puts your mind on something else and secondly it reduces muscle tension through the tranquilising effects of exercise.

Exercise teaches a different outcome. Anxiety brings the sympathetic nervous system into play as when you sense your heart rate and breathing picking up, that awareness can trigger anxiety or a panic attack. In the same way those same symptoms are inherent to aerobic exercise - and that's a good thing.

By activating the sympathetic nervous system through exercise, you break free from the trap of passively waiting and worrying. It improves resilience. You learn that you can be effective in controlling anxiety without letting it turn into panic. The psychological term is self-mastery.

It sets you free. If you're locked down - literally or figuratively - you'll feel more anxious. People who are anxious tend to immobilise themselves - balling up or just finding a safe spot to hide from the world. The opposite of that, and the treatment, is taking action, going out and exploring, moving through the environment. Exercising!

By working towards your weaknesses, not only do the panic attacks disappear, but in the long run everything can become a stength!